Why My First Blog Failed






Pants: c/o Sanne Alexandra | Shirt: Loft similar | Jacket: Zara similar | Shoes: Topshop similar | Scarf: Soya Concept similar | Bag: Chanel 

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Some of you may not know this but I originally launched my blog "And She Dressed" in November of 2013. I blogged pretty consistently for just under a year before I completely burned out and wanted nothing to do with blogging for a while (more on blogger burnout coming soon!). I came back occasionally to share posts whenever I travelled or felt inspired, but I did not consistently do it until I returned this past April. I have noticed a tremendous difference with regular viewership, growth and overall response which I can attribute to a few things I did differently this time around. Today, I want to share with you why I think my first blog failed and how I've successfully re-launched my current blog.

When reading this, keep in mind that this is my own experience, and others may view the reasons behind their blogging successes or failures differently =).

Lack of Networking: I think this was the biggest piece missing the first time I launched my blog. I would occasionally comment on Instagram photos but never engaged on other people's blogs or responded to comments on my own blog. The thing is, even if you have the best blog with the best photos and content, if no one knows about it, who's going to read it? For some reason, I thought that once I shared a new blog post, people would magically flock to my site but unfortunately it doesn't work that way.  Engaging with others not only brings more viewers to your blog, it also provides you with constant inspiration because you're able to check in with what others are posting and sharing. 

Poor Blog Advertising: In the past, I would share my posts on Facebook and Instagram but not in a way that would be intriguing to potential readers. I would simply write "new blog post up" or "check out my outfit details" rather than sharing what could be expected in my blog post. If the topic sparks interests in your audience, they will be more likely to visit from external sources like Instagram or Facebook and actually click the link to read your blog. 

Ambiguity: When I first started my blog, I didn't really sit down to think about what I was trying to accomplish or what kind of audience I was trying to reach.  Therefore my blog posts and concepts were all over the place. I also got writer's block frequently because I couldn't come up with consistent blog ideas. If you make the point to identify who you're writing for, your vision and ideas come together more cohesively because you have a clear direction. 

Content Quality over Quantity: Previously, I would pump out 4-5 blog posts per week but I wasn't offering my readers much. I would take a photo in my outfit and mention how I styled this top with these pants. Now, I share styling tips, shopping tips, lifestyle advice, travel advice and anything that I think my audience would enjoy reading or find useful. These types of post take a little more time for me to put together, but I find that I engage more people if I offer my audience more than just the fact that I knew how to dress myself. 

Poor Aesthetics: This is a constant work in progress for me and I never find that I'm quite satisfied with how my Instagram feed or blog looks, but I've definitely put more focus on how everything fits together. I don't think this is a do-or-die step because others have been successful without having the best lighting or background but I definitely find you attract more people when your content is nice to look at. That's what attracts me to a new Instagram profile or blog post =). 

Now on to today's outfit. I've been all about suede lately and couldn't resist when I saw these pants by Sanne Alexandra. They're so edgy with their moto details and pair nicely with my faux leather jacket. I've also styled them for a night out by pairing them with a choker and fitted tee.

**When shopping at Sanne Alexandra, use code 'andshedressed' to get 20% off site wide!


58 comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this lovely! I'm learning from your experience! I'm very new to blogging and I find that the looks of the blogs and Instagrams really make people want to subscribe/ follow you or not. First impression is so important as well quality of content and other elements. :)

    Thanks again for sharing!
    xoxo

    Molly

    www.allaboutgoodvibes.com

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  2. Thank you soo much for sharing this babe!! Such great tips!! I absolutely love your blog and you are so inspiring! xo

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  3. You have a great blog and it's great to hear someone else's story! Loved the post

    www.stylebymemory.com

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  4. love the scarf and the boots!


    Printspirational and stylish wall art for your home!
    http://www.printsandroses.com/

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  5. I can honestly say I agree 100 percent with you babe, I have had my blog for 8 years and its all been trial and error and tons of networking :)

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  6. Girl, I totally agree! That's how I was when I first started to blog. It makes such a big difference!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  7. These are great tips for bloggers starting out- or for anyone looking for what to avoid! :) Bonus- love that scarf!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  8. Thank you for sharing these tips! Blogging is challenging and having a focus along with quality content is key. Www.busywifebusylife.com

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  9. Great tips Rina! Could definitely use all of your advice. Thanks for sharing babe <3

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing this! It's really at a perfect time for me as I've been blogging just over a year and am feeling a bit of 'blogger burnout', so it's good to know that I'm not the only one. I also really agree with all your points! Thanks for sharing these, and by the way, I love your outfit!
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

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  11. Thanks for sharing your experience dear! Love leather jacket paired with scarf,so cute look!
    Kisses
    Cinzia

    www.callmeblondiebycinziasatta.com

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  12. Thanks for sharing these great tips! I need to up my advertising definitely!

    xox
    Stacie
    www.sophisticatedandstyled.com

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  13. Very inspiring how you persisted and continued to blog! As a new lifestyle and fashion blogger I'm still experimenting with different types of content so thank you for the advice!

    Cynthia xo
    www.styleascension.com

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  14. You are giving very good advices my dear, thank you for that :-) Perfect outfit Rina, I love your shoes :-)

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  15. Beautiful look, love your details and this photos is super! *_*
    Kiss
    Luna
    http://www.fashionsnobber.com

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  16. Love the combo! So stylish!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

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  17. Great and insightful post. Thanks for sharing your experiences and lessons. :)

    XoXo Noma

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  18. Networking has been so important to my blogging as well! It makes it worth it when people keep coming back to read your content ❤️

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  19. I agree with everything you say. I'm trying to make my blog more interative, with more qualities and I'm aways visiting another blogs and answer the comments left in mine.
    A sweet kiss
    Sara M.

    http://sarameirelesthesnowwhite.blogspot.pt/

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  20. I agree with you when it comes to networking. Just like recently, I've been too busy answering comments and visiting other people's blog, and of course, my engagement got a bit low as compared to before. But right now, I'm trying to cope up too! So you're not alone in this. ;) Anyway, your photos are amazing, and so is your outfit. Hope to hear from you soon! x

    Love, Airish
    Gorgeous Glance
    http://www.airishabella.blogspot.com

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  21. Thanks for sharing! I loved reading this!! Your blog is great!

    Darriyan xo
    www.darriyancateland.co.uk

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  22. Thanks for sharing! I also created a blog more than a year ago and I quickly came to realise that it wasn't working and gave up. I also thought that just by writing a blog post the views would you flood in. But I guess thats the good thing of life, you live and learn! Now I have created a new blog and even though I don't get a crazy amount of views I am much happy with what I do and that is enough for me.

    Vanessa x | www.springlilies.com

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  23. These are really great tips! I never knew you had a blog for that long! congrats on loving it so much more the second time around! <33

    www.prettyinleather.net

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  24. amazing post :D

    https://alafolie-toinsanity.blogspot.hr/

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  25. I love this post. I like to read about other bloggers experience. Thanks for sharing your experience. And cool outfit!
    www.comfycozyup.com

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  26. Thank you for sharing your experience and I love your outfit, so cute x

    Laura
    Pink Frenzy

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  27. I enjoyed reading this as I just started blogging recently. This was very helpful, great post and cute outfit!

    http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/

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  28. So beautiful outfit!

    mysweetescapemasha.blogspot.com

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  29. I sincerely agree with you on lack of networking(it's imperative for us bloggers to engage with our audience), consistency and good content. Thanks for sharing. Love your outfit btw.

    xx
    www.thestylefanatic.com

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  30. thanks for sharing this... love the outfit
    http://thestyleride.com/peacoat-from-dezzal/

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  31. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with us!
    I love your blog and your pics... and your pants are absolutely cool!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

    My Instagram

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  32. Very useful tips, I'll def put these to use so it doesn't happen to me.
    xo| Cindy
    www.boringclothes.com

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  33. Thank you for sharing this important tips. Love your edgy OOTD!
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  34. I like the Blog!!

    Kisses

    https://ivmblogging.blogspot.com.es/

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  35. Great tips. Sounds like it's all going well this time! Have a lovely day! Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  36. Great pants and lovely bag...xoxo, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com/

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  37. You are doing such a great job with your current blog dear! These are all great tips Rina!
    Keep up the great work. You look fabulous as always <3

    Kisses,

    Tamara Chloé

    www.TcStyleClues.com

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  38. Great tips. I'm still struggling advertising and I'm not sure if I'd ever be satisfied with the aesthetic of both my blog and social media. I try to take it lightly, I can only improve from here so I guess it is a good thing.
    I love your outfit btw, nice and trendy. Your scar really makes a statement, I love it.
    Thanks for sharing Rina :)
    xo
    Sauniya | Find Your Bliss ♡

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  39. Great tips!

    http://carinazz.blogspot.com.ee/

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  40. It's great you shared this.Well now your blog is so great. I am such a fan. I love the outfit. Great shoes.
    sophieatieno.com

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  41. Aw these are such helpful tips! I like it when people write about their failures because you can learn so much from it! I had a failed blog too, but it failed after like three months haha. It was a travel blog, and like you I was struggling to come up with content. Later I realized that writing about one thing only was pretty detrimental. I couldn't afford to travel 24/7, so I decided to start a blog that would be focused on all the things I loved: travel, coffee, skin care. Kind of random, but soooo much easier to maintain and I actually look forward to writing posts now. I am so thankful my first blog failed, because I never would have learned so much. BTW, I think your blog aesthetics are great!! I am the same way too though. I think it has to do with a slight amount of perfectionism! I am never satisfied with my Instagram grid haha.

    -Emily www.coatandcoffee.com

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  42. Thanks for putting this together! It means a lot! Definitely networking plays a huge role in a blog's success and so does proper advertising. Have a lovely week! <3

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

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  43. I love the look! We don't know right from the start the 'right' way to blog!
    Dora www.BangsBang.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12733549

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  44. I think networking is a huge key to blog success! Also the right kind of networking, with people that are ambitious and sincere with their blogs too. I realized that I was investing time in comments that often were just "great post", or people that weren't committed to blogging, which are comments/bloggers that won't take me anywhere. Networking with people that genuinely engage with the content is more rewarding. Regarding blogging and developing, I always want to surround myself with better or bloggers that makes progress. And I got that from this motivational speaker I listened too, that talked long about being best/becoming better and that he'd rather be last everytime than win the race. Because if you're always winning, you won't develop and you'll stop learning (more or less). Even though the blogging world is not a competition in that way, I do believe in the power of networking with empowering people, (like you, heeeey!).

    Haha I'm not sure where this comment is going, but yes to this post and hope you're having the best week babe! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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  45. I love your pants and boots! Thanks for the tips, it's been a struggle to grow my blog.

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  46. These are great tips for bloggers like myself. I agree that networking is key. Keep up the great work. Great outfit!

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

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  47. This is such a great post babe, so many helpful tips! It is so good that you were able to take a step back and realise what wasn't working with your blog then take the right steps to try and fix it! So glad you are finding success with it all now!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

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  48. Love your look and your tips! Thank for sharing them!

    God bless,

    XO, Claire

    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

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  49. Such an amazing look and post my sweetheart! Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and experience about blogging with us. I really can;t wait to read about blogger burnout as I am really close to that this period. I agree with you, engaging with other bloggers is very critical for your blog to be known and have visits. Plus you get so much inspiration and to meet amazing women from all around the world, like you! I am a great fan you know it and by the way, I love your aesthetics. Your looks and photos are always on point and of a great balance!
    Thank you so much for sharing and wish all the success for your blog and you!
    Love,
    Stella
    www.stellaasteria.com

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  50. Ahh we always learn from the mistakes we made, now don't we? And look at you now, flourishing and growing exponentially, makes me feel proud and inspired from you! Thank you for sharing your story :)


    xx
    Makeup, Style and Sugar
    https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/

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  51. Thanks for sharing about your experience! I think your tips are on point. You really need to network in the blog industry. Quality over quantity this is my motto! Sometimes I feel bad that I don't post that often, especially now that I have a baby but at the end of the I'd rather be proud of my content. Blogging is a challenging industry but it's also pretty addictive too!
    Can't wait to read about blogger burnout!
    PS: Love this outfit!
    With Love,
    Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com

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  52. I totally understand what you mean! I started my blog in 2011, got serious about it in 2013, ran it for about a year and a half and then felt completely burned out and took a couple years off. Personally, my problem was that it started to feel like a chore, and my content was only style related so I felt it had become shallow. This time around, I made sure to make sure I was putting out content that I enjoy and think other people will enjoy, and I don't treat it as a chore but instead as my creative outlet. Once I changed my outlook on it, it's much easier to blog now. This was a really interesting post!

    Francesca
    www.vintagelillies.com

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  53. I enjoyed reading this and I learned some of thee the hard way too! Lol.

    www.jeannieinabottleblog.com

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  54. Wow this is such a good post!! From the way you write you definitely sound like a seasoned blogger, and I am sure your second attempt at this is gonna be so much stronger and better!!

    Jessica || Cubicle Chic

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  55. Loved reading through this! Blogger burn out is so real! I've never really blogged consistently(especially while nursing full time- where do you find the time?!?) because Ive never felt like I get anywhere! The networking is a good point. Thanks!!! ☺️

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  56. This was a really interesting post! Thank you for the tips about blogging! I hope you continue writing in-depth posts including blogging burnout :)
    xo, Yasmin
    http://www.iamyasmin.ca

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